Topic outline

  • Introduction to Stream Reaches

    Credits: 1 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    The stream system of a watershed is divided into reaches, and the watershed into hydrologic units (HU), for the convenience of work as a part of a hydrologic or hydraulic study.This course provides some details on the selection of reaches for hydrologic or economic studies, presents alternative means for studies of alluvial fans, and briefly describes a hydrologic unit and its use in a study.

    A reach is a length of stream or valley used as a unit of study. It contains a specified feature that is either fairly uniform throughout, such as hydraulic/geomor-phic characteristics or flood damages, or that re-quires special attention in the study, such as a bridge. Reaches are generally shorter for hydraulic studies than for other types of studies, so it is best to consider hydraulic needs first when selecting reaches and then combine the hydraulic reaches into longer ones for the other studies.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to Stream Reaches
    • Reach Features
    • Estimating Hydraulic roughness (Manning n-value)
    • Reach data input for computer programs
    • National Geospatial Data for stream reaches
    • Project Benefits Estimation on Alluvial Fans

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Hydraulic, Stream, Geotechnical, Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, and other engineers whose job description requires a general overview of stream reaches.
    Publication Source: USDA NRCS

    D. Allen Hughes, PE

    • Topic 1